Five Ways Pandemic Pets Helped Our Mental And Physical Health

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For many pet owners, money is no object when it comes to keeping their fur baby happy and healthy and picking up treats and toys from places like PetSmart becomes a regular activity.

When humans were forced to stay apart during the height of the pandemic, it seems many found a work-around for social interaction: pets. It was certainly a blessing for shelter kitties and rescues pups that needed homes. And the cliché expression, “I didn’t rescue my pet – he rescued me” became truer than ever. Maybe some people picked up pets just thinking they’d provide a fun and cuddly distraction, but what they soon learned is that four-legged companions have a real impact on our mental health. Here are some of the perks of having pets.

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1. Pets Get You Up And Out

The pandemic particularly robbed people of a reason to get out of bed in the morning. With so many people losing their jobs during the pandemic, or being sent home to work, it was easy to spend all day in bed. If you have a pet – particularly one that needs regular walks like a dog – you just don’t get to stay in bed until 2pm. Fido has to go out. So pets can force you to get endorphin-boosting exercise. They can encourage you to get a change of scenery by going on a walk, going on a hike, or taking them to a park. They won’t let you stay in your pajamas all day.

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2. Pets Encourage Self-Care

Research suggests that caring for a pet encourages a person to take better care of themselves. One study reported in News In Health even showed that teens with diabetes who have a pet to take care of do a better job of checking their blood glucose levels than those without pets. Once you’re taking the time to brush a dog, administer flea medication, trim a pet’s nails, and other tasks like that, you’re already in the mindset of all living beings in your home. And that inclination can quickly spread to yourself, as you find yourself keeping up with personal hygiene and grooming more. Hey, you have to look good with your fur baby.

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3. Pets Can Help Alleviate Depression

Pets can help battle depression as well as feelings of loneliness. The American Psychological Association reports that military members and veterans with PTSD who are given therapy dogs have significantly lower levels of depression than those without pets. They also report higher levels of life satisfaction and lower levels of isolation. If a pet can do that for a military veteran who has experienced things most people can’t imagine, just think of what they can do for civilians. Pets are just pure love. They look into your eyes and know when you’re struggling. They provide meaningful companionship that, along with other techniques, can be a powerful combatant of depression.

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4. Pets Are A Natural Way To Socialize

Pets provide a natural and easy way to meet other humans. If you get a dog, within weeks you’ll likely know neighbors you’d never met before, but who had lived on your street all along. Dog parents tend to find each other. Even if you’re shy, your dog may be a total extrovert, dragging you over to greet the owner of a cute Chihuahua or golden retriever. Before you know it, you’re standing in a group of dog moms and dads with all of your canines, eager to greet each other. Even in the pandemic, pets provided a nice excuse for socially-distanced outdoor hang outs at parks and in back yards.

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5. Pets Keep You Playful

It’s hard not to light up when you see how much joy a pet takes in the simple things. Fun toys from places like PetSmart can bring a pet hours of entertainment. In exchange, you’re entertained watching your dog go after a ball over and over again or your cat chase a toy. Their ability to be so happy over such simple things encourages us to also take the joy in the small things. And, if you’re like most people, you probably take joy in making others happy. So even when you feel you can’t cheer yourself up, cheering up a pet with a fun game or some affection has a way of helping you, too.

*Sponsored by PetSmart